Easiest first NAS

Synology DS225+

First-time NAS buyers who want photos, files and backups working tonight.

Our pick: Easiest first NAS. The Synology DS225+ is a 2-bay NAS powered by the Intel Celeron J4125, 4 cores, with 2GB of RAM and 2.5GbE + 1GbE networking. It suits first-time NAS buyers who want photos, files and backups working tonight. The catch: the same old Celeron J4125 and only 2GB of RAM (6GB maximum), no NVMe slots, and only one of its two network ports is 2.5GbE. Synology prefers its own listed drives: check the compatibility list.

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Bays: 2
Processor: Intel Celeron J4125, 4 cores
Memory: 2GB (up to 6GB)
Network: 2.5GbE + 1GbE
NVMe slots: None
Plex hardware transcoding: Yes
Docker: Yes
Software: Synology DSM

Specs are from the Amazon listing or the maker. Prices are for the box without drives unless the listing says otherwise.

Why we pick it

DSM is the most polished NAS software there is, with the best photo, drive and backup apps
Intel graphics handle Plex hardware transcoding of common formats
Buyers rate its reliability 19 to 5; 4.6 stars from 248 ratings

The catch

The same old Celeron J4125 and only 2GB of RAM (6GB maximum), no NVMe slots, and only one of its two network ports is 2.5GbE. Synology prefers its own listed drives: check the compatibility list.

1 and 2 bay in one line

Two drives mirrored (RAID 1) is the classic first NAS: if one drive dies, nothing is lost. Fine for photos, backups and a media library up to the size of one drive.

How many bays do you need? · RAID is not backup

Questions about the Synology DS225+

Is the Synology DS225+ a good NAS?

Easiest first NAS. DSM is the most polished NAS software there is, with the best photo, drive and backup apps. Intel graphics handle Plex hardware transcoding of common formats. The catch: The same old Celeron J4125 and only 2GB of RAM (6GB maximum), no NVMe slots, and only one of its two network ports is 2.5GbE. Synology prefers its own listed drives: check the compatibility list.

Can the Synology DS225+ run Plex?

Yes, with hardware transcoding: its Intel Celeron J4125, 4 cores has integrated graphics that convert video on the fly for phones, TVs and remote streams.

Does the Synology DS225+ include drives?

No. The price is for the box (diskless) unless the listing you choose says it is a bundle. Add NAS-rated CMR drives such as WD Red Plus or Toshiba N300.

Who is the Synology DS225+ for?

First-time NAS buyers who want photos, files and backups working tonight.

What Synology says about it

Your Personal Streaming Server - Build your own Netflix-style media library and stream 4K movies, shows and photos to any device without monthly fees
Create Your Own Cloud - Store your entire photo, video and music collection; access from anywhere with fast 282 MB/s transfer speeds
Creator-Grade Backup Solution - Protect your irreplaceable content with automated backups to cloud services, external drives and remote NAS
Multi-Layered Data Protection - Combine RAID redundancy, automated backups and snapshot technology to prevent data loss from any cause
Smart Home Surveillance - Support up to 30 IP cameras with AI detection, instant alerts and secure remote monitoring
3-Year Warranty - Premium hardware reliability for users who depend on continuous access to their data

From the Amazon listing, in the maker's own words.